Milestones

"One of the most memorable evenings I've had with my mentee was last spring at the beach, her feet soaked in freezing water, but she was getting the most glorious senior pictures taken. This alone is remarkable as only 50% of children experiencing foster care graduate high school. But this particular week was monumental for her.

In addition to the year of mentorship documented above, in this one week, she:

• opened a bank account
• turned 18
• was granted extended foster care
• graduated high school
• was approved for rental assistance through OlyCap
• and got the keys to her very first apartment

HUGE.
Monumental, right?

Just two weeks prior to that list, the only thing that was certain, was that she was turning 18 and aging out of foster care.

Because of all her hard work and relationship we'd built, and because trusted adults consistently stepped into the gaps, her outcomes have been dramatically affected. She graduated! She skirted homelessness. She has a job, license, and car. She has healthy, responsible adults who genuinely care about her.

When you step into this kind of life-changing role, whether you're a volunteer, donor, or supporter from afar, you need to have a strong back, soft front, and wild heart. Being strong and consistent for kids in care, being open and meeting them right where they are, and dreaming big - even when they can't do it for themselves yet."

-Emily, Olympic Angels Dare to Dream Mentor